Cracking down on Slough novelty lighters
Slough’s trading standards team is clamping down on the sale of child appealing novelty cigarette lighters.
Trading standards officers are working with retailers and members of the public to advise them about the dangers of children getting access to these lighters. New lighters manufactured or imported must not be made appealing to young children and they must also be made child resistant.
A number of differently designed lighters have been discovered by Slough trading standards officers, including ones shaped as a guitar, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a mobile phone, a t– shirt, a can of tuna and a pig character. The lighters were discovered during a number of checks on retailers in the borough over the last couple of months.
More checks of retailers are planned for the future to ensure that by March 2008 only child resistant lighters are stocked and that no child appealing lighters are on sale.
Keith Eaglestone, Slough trading standards manager, said: “These lighters pose a real danger to children and we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that children are not at risk.
“If anyone knows of any retailers selling these lighters then we urge them to get in contact with the trading standards team.”
Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “I am surprised that such dangerous items could be sold and it is important that we work hard to stop them becoming available to children.
“However I am pleased that many of our local traders have recognised this hazard and removed them from sale straight away.”
Jim Godwin, from the Royal Berkshire Fire Service, said: “We are well aware of the tragedies that can result from children playing with fire.
“If you have these or any similar child appealing lighters at home, we urge you to dispose of them safely now, before any accidents happen.”
If anyone is aware of any premises selling these lighters, has any concerns or requires advice about them, please contact Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team on 01753 875255.
Slough Borough Council